De-icing and/or anti-icing system for the leading edge of an aircraft wing

Abstract

The invention relates to a de-icing and / or anti-icing system for the leading edge of an aircraft wing or for the lip (1) of the air intake of an aircraft engine, characterised in that it includes a plurality of infrared emitting members (13) arranged inside said leading edge or said lip (1), power supply means (17) for said emitters (13), and means (27) for controlling said power supply means (17).

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD[0001]The present invention relates to a de-icing and / or anti-icing system for the leading edge of an aircraft wing or for an air intake lip of an aircraft engine, and a method for controlling such a system.BACKGROUND[0002]The formation of ice on the leading edges of an aircraft wing or on the air intake lips of aircraft engines poses many problems, including added weight, imbalance between the port and starboard portions, and, in the specific case of engine air intakes, the formation of blocks of ice capable of penetrating the engine and causing considerable damage.[0003]To this end, a number of de-icing or anti-icing systems have been developed in the aeronautics field, recalling here that de-icing consists of evacuating ice that has already formed, and anti-icing consists of preventing the formation of ice.[0004]Anti-icing is necessary in particular in the case of engines comprising portions made from composite materials, such as fan blades: in such cases, it is ne...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

The invention is about using infrared emitting members to improve de-icing systems for aircraft engines. These members have several advantages, including their ability to produce powerful light without needing a hot air source, their small size and durability, and their ability to be controlled to a high level of efficiency. The invention also includes a method to control the system so that other equipment can operate without being affected by the heating process. These features make the invention a useful tool for improving the reliability and performance of aircraft engines.

Problems solved by technology

The formation of ice on the leading edges of an aircraft wing or on the air intake lips of aircraft engines poses many problems, including added weight, imbalance between the port and starboard portions, and, in the specific case of engine air intakes, the formation of blocks of ice capable of penetrating the engine and causing considerable damage.

Anti-icing is necessary in particular in the case of engines comprising portions made from composite materials, such as fan blades: in such cases, it is necessary to eliminate any risk of ice reaching the engine, the composite materials not being able to resist such a shock.

Although these pneumatic systems are relatively effective, they have a number of drawbacks: they are bulky, heavy, and degrade the performance of the aircraft's engines.

Although these electric systems are relatively effective, they have a number of drawbacks: their production is delicate, they are sensitive.

Images